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Thief of the Night Guild

The first book of Queen of Thieves (Child of the Night Guild) was “an edge of your seat, fast-moving and unforgettable read” and I was eager to read this second book.

Thief of the Night Guild is everything I hoped it would be, and much more!

Ilanna is now a strong and determined journeyman, a professional thief and a woman in what is mainly a mans world. She wants to secure her freedom from the guild and protect her son from its clutches.

The characters were so skilfully drawn that I felt as though I was living along side them.
So I joined Ilanna and her accomplices as they strived to pull off the greatest heist in Praamis.
Andy Peloquin’s fluent and descriptive writing ensured that I felt the joy of friendship and suffered heartache and pain from the betrayal and loss of our friends.

Illana’s story – so far – is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
And I am now waiting on tenterhooks for the next book in the series.

“I am Ilanna, Journeyman of House Hawk. I do the impossible.”

A cunning thief of unrivaled ingenuity, Ilanna is determined to secure her freedom. Nothing will prevent her escape from the Night Guild’s callous cruelty, not even the most powerful man in Praamis, Duke Phonnis.

Commanding a crew of pickpockets, bounty hunters, poisoners, and assassins, Ilanna schemes to disgrace the Duke. She must survive blackmail, a bloodthirsty rival syndicate, and enemies within her own House to claim her spoils: vengeance for the deaths of her friends and gold to buy independence.

But all Ilanna’s skill may not suffice to protect the one person who matters most: her son.

***

Flirting With Time: A Charlie McClung Mystery

byMary Anne Edwards

Another wonderful and entertaining mystery in the Charlie McClung series.

Mary Anne Edwards’ books go from strength to strength. The characters continue to develop and the mysteries get more intriguing and suspenseful.

I’ll be looking forward to the next instalment in Charlie, Marian and their friends lives.

To get the best out of this series the books should be read in order.

Detective Charlie McClung is haunted by someone leaving mysterious paper hearts in odd places for his bride, Marian. Any thought that this is the work of a harmless prankster quickly vanishes when his men are attacked and people begin to die. The stalker is growing bolder and Charlie knows he needs to act quickly but there are too many suspects, too many alibis, and too much at stake.

***

Wolf Bride: The Tale of Ailis and Eoghan

byC.D. Gorri

C.D. Gorri takes us back to a time before the formation of the Macconwood Pack.

It’s a well written and fascinating, historical look at Macconwoods first Alpha and his mate. The story pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

Another superb book from this talented author.

The path to true love is often rocky, especially for Werewolves Eoghan MacContire and Ailis Dungannon in 16th Century Ireland.

Find out how it all began in this prequel to the Macconwood Pack Series.

***

The Hunger Within

byLily Luchesi

The Hunger Within is not your customary stereotypical vampire story…. It’s a heck of a lot steamier!

There’s a lot of action and intrigue packed into this short story from Lily Luchesi, as Bec starts her new life alongside her dominating sire and fathoms out how to deal with all the complications that go with it.

Newly turned vampire Rebecca Renfield is about to discover that there is much more to the world of the Undead than sex, blood, and handcuffs. Her sire and Mistress is the direct descendant of Count Dracula, and that means she has a reputation to uphold. Meetings with vampiric dignitaries, secret blood and bondage dungeons, and vampire hunters now fill the couple’s nights. is this world everything Bec thought it would be, or will she fall under the pressure of what it means to be the submissive to the most powerful vampiress in the world?

***

Crane

byStacey Rourke

Crane is an entertaining and (in parts) amusing story. I liked how the author blended the ‘historic’ tale with the modern day twist on the retelling of ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’.

Although I thought the characters could do with a bit more developing, the story was well written and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

Playing with Fire

byClare Meyers & Cris Meyers

An interesting beginning to a new series.

Magic, shapeshifting and crime all blend together to make this enjoyable read by husband and wife team, Cris and Clare Meyers.

Talented thief, Renee and her partner, Stone, join a trio of shapeshifters, Rook, Carlos and Grace, to steal a magical gem, and take revenge against the man who set them up on a previous job.
But in their line of work, nothing is quite what it seems.

Although the book is much more about the planning and the action, I did enjoy getting acquainted with the characters and hope to get to know them better in the next book of the series.

Loner Renee Devereaux is a thief with a lot to hide, and trust is a risk she rarely takes. Stone Anders is a mercenary and hitman, but being a hired killer isn’t fitting like it used to. But while they are criminals, they are anything but common. Renee and Stone are Talents, and their supernatural powers give them an edge in a high stakes business where one wrong move could be their last.

It’s always just one job, and everyone scatters—sometimes in less than favorable circumstances. For Renee and Stone, that’s business as usual. But things change.

A chance at revenge draws Renee and Stone into a job they know they shouldn’t take. The job: Steal a dangerous magical artifact before it can be used. Along with the deadline, they’ll have to deal with a loudmouth hacker with problematic connections, a rookie who still believes in ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ and a professional liar with a cat’s curiosity.

Worse, something just doesn’t feel right.

But this is their job. They have a reputation to maintain, a paycheck to earn, and a score to settle…

***

Fly by Night

byClare Meyers & Cris Meyers

The ‘gang’ from book 1, Playing with Fire, are back. They’ve moved on from the events in Seattle, but they haven’t forgotten, or forgiven.

This, the second book in the series is told from Rooks point of view and is a superb sequel.
Rook never knows when to keep his mouth shut and his thoughts to himself, which makes for some great moments. Half the time I wanted to gag him, the rest of the time I wanted to hug him!

The characters all evolve and grow in their own ways, during the story, and we learn more about them, their past and their relationships.

The plot is well thought out, and this book has more action and suspense than the previous one.

I enjoyed Playing with Fire… I loved Fly by Night!

The game has changed.

Rook is a wisecracking hacker, a shapeshifter who prefers the name ‘were-crow,’ and former underling to a Talented crime boss. But as supernatural powers go, he’s no heavy hitter.

After a job blew up in his face, Rook thought the worst thing he’d have to deal with was criminal unemployment. But when he starts losing his mind to mysterious voices, being broke takes a backseat. And once his apartment goes up in smoke, Rook knows he’s in trouble.

Out of his depth and trying to dig his way out of a hole not entirely of his own making, Rook must put his survival—and his sanity—in the hands of people who have their own mysterious reasons for helping him.

With trust in short supply and time ticking down, Rook will need to find a way to make this uneasy alliance work before even more of his life goes up in flames.

Book 2 of the Criminal Elements urban fantasy series

And don’t miss out on Playing with Fire (Book 1)

***

Code Wolf

byC.D. Gorri

I really enjoyed this new book from C.D. Gorri.

As with her previous books, it’s set in ‘Grazi Kelly’s world’. This one, however, is definitely not YA!

I loved learning more about Randall, and his unexpected love interest, Tulla, along with Tulla’s special son, Danny.The book is well-written, easy to read and hard to put down. The descriptive writing allows you to join the fleshed out characters on their adventures.

“He never thought of himself as a family man, but sometimes things changed… ”

Randall Graves spends most of his time writing lines of code in his air-conditioned office at Macconwood Manor. He’d rather be alone than risk involvement of any kind. Everything was going fine, until his Alpha sends him on a forced vacation.

It’s all good with Randall, as long as there’s WIFI at the small, beachfront, bed and breakfast in Bloody Point, South Carolina. He could work and get some sun at the same time, but he wasn’t counting on Tulla Nirvelli. The beautiful single mother owned and operated the small B &B with her seven-year old son.

Charmed by the small island and the young family, Randall finds himself enjoying his time at the Sea Mist Bed & Breakfast. When trouble starts brewing for Tulla and her son, Randall is ready to jump in, but that means revealing his secret. Will she accept the truth about him?

***

The Name of Death

byJoshua Robertson

I enjoyed this short story from Joshua Robertson.

It was a well-written and entertaining read.
The characters were fairly well fleshed out for such a short tale.

A good introduction to the authors writing and to the world in his novels, which I look forward to reading.

Drada Koehn is a fearless, formidable fighter ensnared in a presaged war against the northern humans. When the Speaker foretells their victory upon discovery of the name of death, she sets out to unravel the mysterious prophecy. Now, bound by duty and honor, Drada faces untold horrors with her companions, searching for what may never be found. In a story of unexpected twists, she soon finds that her resolve to see the quest done will be the fortune or doom of her people.

***

Dark Legends

I enjoyed quite a few of the books in this set and will be looking to read other books by some of the authors.

If you like stories with Dragons, Ghosts, Mermaids, Shifters, Vampires, Witches… and much more, you’re bound to find a story in here that you enjoy.

Some of the stories worked well as standalone reads, while others were obviously part of a series.

As a bunch of the books were steamy (one or two more steam than story) this is definitely an adult only box set.

All in all, this collection of books was good value and a great way to find ‘new-to-me’ authors.

This Collection is packed with more than 20 full-length Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance reads from New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors!

Don’t miss this collection of more than twenty unique twists in paranormal romance and urban fantasy, providing over one million words of supernatural suspense that will transport you to new worlds with smoking hot action and heart-throttling adventure!

***

Gloria and the Unicorn

byWanda Luthman

A lovely children’s book with a wonderful message.

The book encourages its readers to be happy and to love themselves.

Gloria looks different from other children, but thanks to Sir Louie, a magical unicorn, she learns to accept that it’s ok to be different.The plot is well thought out, and this book has more action and suspense than the previous one.

Adopted by a loving owner of a children’s home, Gloria still has a lot to overcome. She has a droopy cheek on one side of her face. Then, she overhears a terrible secret about her past that she doesn’t want anyone to know. To protect her from bullies, she is kept out of school. But, Gloria wants to learn to read more than anything in the world. She feels she has no one to turn to until a magical unicorn named Sir Louie befriends her. Can he help her learn to love and accept herself? And when Sir Louie suddenly disappears, will Gloria think he has rejected her like everyone else or realize his life is in danger and he may need her help?

The Yellow Hoods

Along Came a Wolf
Breadcrumb Trail
All the King’s-Men
Beauties of the Beast
The Day the Sky Fell

This clever mix of fairytales and steampunk is a wonderful and original, fast-paced series. Delightful for young(ish) readers and adults, albeit on different levels.

I spent the best part of two weeks in the company of Tee, her friends and family, and their rivals, and enjoyed every minute of it.

The plot and the sub-plots weave back and forth seamlessly, making an entertaining and riveting read that’s hard to put down. (How the author kept everything straight while writing the series is beyond me, but he did it well.)

There are more twists and turns than a roller-coaster ride, some danger and tragedy, plenty of wit and humour, and lots of action and adventure. A general theme of growing up.. .family, friendship, confidence, loyalty and more, runs smoothly within the story.

The author brings the large and diverse cast of characters to life, and as they continue to develop and change throughout the series, we learn more of their hidden depths… and flaws. At the same time, he paints a detailed picture of the world they inhabit, starting with the small village in book one to a much larger expanse by book five, as our heroes (and villains) travel further away from their homes.

I liked the names of the characters, many of them plucked from fairytales and myths and given a twist… my favourite, being Ron-Paul Silskin!

Book 1
Tee, Elly, and Richy peaceful little world is shattered when they become entangled in a plot to steal the world’s first steam engine plans from master inventor, Nikolas Klaus. Will Klaus’ ties to the secret society known as the Tub (lead by a butcher, baker, and candlestick maker) be their undoing? Or will they live on to become legends?

The series grows in intensity as it goes and uses humor along the way. It has strong female characters, no graphic violence, no sexual content, and is loved by kids aged 9-15 and adults (written for both audiences). Loved by fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Ranger’s Apprentice.

Book 2
In an act of desperation, inventor Maxwell Watt sends his teenage son to Nikolas Klaus with the secret plans for his steam engine. The Fare, a nefarious secret society, learns of the game-changing invention and accelerate their timeline to neutralize Klaus and reclaim control over the kingdoms.

While wars spark to the south, children in Mineau have started to go missing–again. Captain Archambault suspects the return of the Ginger Lady. With the help of the Yellow Hoods and their friends, the search is on to find the missing children before it is too late.

What is the secret that ties the Yellow Hoods to the Ginger Lady? Who are the Red Hoods really?

Book 3
More than a hundred years ago, a king declared that all geniuses, scientists and inventors were abominations, save for those willing to become his Conventioneers. His edict spread like wildfire through the kingdoms, and drove the hunted into the arms of the secret societies, the Tub and the Fare.

Decades later, having taken control of the remains of the crushed Fare, a young Marcus Pieman follows up on rumors of a homeless, teenage Abominator in his city. When the scared Nikolas Klaus looked up at Marcus for the first time, a tremendous bond was forged.

A betrayal leads Tee to a showdown with her greatest foe. Who breaks and who lays bleeding in the middle of nowhere?

And Mounira learns the truth about the once great inventor, Christophe Creangle.

Book 4
The Lady in Red’s revenge against the Piemans is nearly complete, and soon there will be no one to stop her. She’s ready for anything, except for the return of her long dead son. But is it really him?

Tee watches as the airships rain down fiery destruction. She adjusts the rocket-pack’s leather straps and glances over her shoulder. Her friends might never forgive her, but she can’t stand idly by any longer. In a blink, she’s thrown into the air. Then, the unthinkable happens—the rocket-pack comes off.

Who’s the new Yellow Hood? Who dies? And are the Piemans really down for the count?

Beauties of the Beast continues the thrilling ride from All the King’s-Men and will have you punching the air with joy and biting your nails in angst.

Book 5
The gripping adventure continues in this international best-selling Steampunk meets Fairy tale series!

As the shepherd watched the aerial bombardment of his village, he had no idea it would lead him to tip the scales in the war between Marcus Pieman and the Lady in Red.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Hoods, along with the meager remains of the Tub, race to rescue Nikolas Klaus before it’s too late. Who will betray them, and who will be murdered?

The Day the Sky Fell picks up where Beauties of the Beast left off, and brings an epic finale to the series. But is this truly the end of the Yellow Hoods? Find out!

***

Chasing The Moon: A Grazi Kelly Short

byC.D. Gorri

An enjoyable short story from C.D. Gorri, that lets us catch up with Grazi and Ronan shortly after the battle in Winter Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel #4.

This book gives us more insights into Grazi’s world and hints of what’s yet to come.

I love how C.D. Gorri’s Grazi Kelly, Angela Tanner and Macconwood Pack series all interlink with each other!

If you like good, clean and easy to read paranormal stories with werewolves and witches, then you’ll enjoy a visit to Grazi Kelly’s world

On the mend after the battle of St. Lucy’s Day, teen Werewolf Grazi Kelly is on the run. The Hounds of God have been disbanded, the High Council wants her captured, and what’s left of the Scarred Sisters Coven want her dead.

Grazi finds herself far away from her family and everything she has ever known. What will she do when a group of Werewolves in Northern Florida need her help? Find out in this Grazi Kelly Short!

***

Blood Master: Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series

byKirsten Campbell

I loved this book!

The story started slowly setting the scene and filling in some background, but soon shifted up a gear with some great action and a number of surprising twists.

The characters were well-developed and, for the most part, likable.

The romance between Tassta and Griffin was tasteful and didn’t overwhelm the story.

The author has created a fascinating and realistic world of the future, with vivid descriptions of the Brotherhood’s fortress and the Underground.

2052: Two-thirds of the human population have been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell…

***

Blood Phase – Book 2 of the G.O.D.s Series

byKirsten Campbell

An awesome follow up to Blood Master: Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series.

Blood Phase follows on seamlessly from book one, and we rejoin Griffin, Tassta, Lerin and all, in the continuing story.

Once again the characters are well-fleshed out and have their own personalities, and are like friends I’ve known for years. I feel their love, fear, confusion, frustration, and sorrow, and my heart goes out to them.

The descriptive writing draws you in and keeps you there through all the twists, turns, and action, and doesn’t let go until you turn the last page.

I am eager to read the next book and discover what happens next

November 12, 2052: Earth has lost two-thirds of its population to the Great War. Many more lives have been lost to earthquakes, the Clover Virus, and the Death Plague. Years later, survivors are clumped into factions. Two of those factions—the Brotherhood and the Guild Faction—have battled over medical supplies and food for years. The fight is coming to a head as manpower dwindles and the struggle becomes one to gain numbers, even if said numbers are children…

Griffin Storm, an albino man kidnapped and dragged into the Brotherhood, has transformed into a G.O.D., a Genetically enhanced Omni-dimensional being. Two weeks in the brig, and Griffin’s released after it’s determined that he’s learned to control most of his god-like abilities. His abilities have grown almost as much as his love for Tassta Vinetti and his unfortunate blood lust. His bond with Tassta’s twin brother, Penn, has grown as well and is cemented in secrets.

Soon after his release, Griffin’s told that Guild agents and the notorious Trips (super-agents of the Guild) are in the Underground. He must now test his abilities to save the abandoned children that live there. Will Griffin rescue the children of the Underground from a tragic end? Will Tassta and Griffin’s love survive such turmoil? Can a G.O.D. forgive himself when death and destruction follow his every move? Read Blood Phase, the gripping second book in the G.O.D.s Series!

***

Slowpocalypse (books 0.5 – 3)

An interesting series that’s easy to read and has plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages.

Durable Impressions is a short introduction to a new and exciting world and to Kat, one of the main characters.

Although Certain Hypothetical (book 1) starts off slowly, it soon picks up and sets the pace for the series.

Each book has an intriguing plot that’s well thought out and is a good mix of action, mystery and suspense.

The two main characters are dimensional and they grow and evolve through the series.
The large supporting cast are occasionally hard to keep track of, but the ‘returning characters’ list at the in the later books reminds you, who’s who.

Each book wraps up the story lines satisfyingly, leaving the way open for further instalments, but without any great cliffhangers.

Having read books 0.5 to 3, I’m now looking forward to reading book 4, Peripheral Encounters.

I received a copy of Compromised Inside from the author, James Litherland – Thank you!

Book .5
—From Protected to Protector

As civilization has slowly crumbled, Katherine Miles has led a life of privilege—but also one of preparation. Now, under the ominous shadow of a society coming apart at the seams, her mettle will be tested for the first time.

This prequel short story is a triptych portraying how Kat became a hero.

Book 1
EVERYTHING changes when FURC Director Jonathan Miles seals the fourteen square mile compound home to the Federal University and Research Complex and the community that supports it, cutting them all off from the slowly crumbling civilization on the outside—and making them a target of those who want the facilities for themselves.

The director’s daughter Katherine returns to work for FURC Security with a promotion because of the crisis, eager to face any challenge—but as tensions among the residents rise, she encounters greater peril than she had imagined.

David Belue gives up his classes to help install additional defenses, but his curiosity leads him to discover a threat inside the community, endangering his life—because an enemy within waits for just the right moment to betray them all.

Book 2
—A Perfect Storm
MYSTERIOUS power outages, disrupted communications, and a rash of illness among the guards are only the beginning. Soon FURC Security Chief Anthony Nelson and his small, mostly inexperienced staff are overwhelmed by the hacking of the local network, the contamination of the food supply, and a seemingly impossible murder.

Rookie David Belue is trying to solve one of those mysteries when he comes under investigation himself, because he’s one of the few who had the means and a motive to murder. Which makes Officer Lisa Courdray’s job much more difficult—now she has to prove her own partner innocent while also uncovering a hidden saboteur within the community.

Lt. Katherine Miles can’t help—she’s far from the FURC on a secret mission and unable to contact them with a warning. If she can make it back at all, she’ll be bringing even more trouble along with her.

Book 3
—Beware the Gravity Bug
SEALED off from the crumbling civilization outside, the residents of the FURC may be safe from external threats, but their isolation only speeds the spread of a dangerous new infection, even as an upcoming election exposes divisions among them. And the fourteen square mile compound may not be big enough to prevent the pressure from building into violent upheaval.

Illness lays low Security Chief Anthony Nelson when he’s needed the most—as the crisis grows critical, will he jump back into the fray before he’s fully recovered? Lt. Katherine Miles has her own issues, but with Tony out of action, dealing with everyone else’s problems is distracting her from the real danger.

Caroline Sanderson runs in the election hoping to keep the community from falling apart, but she’s unprepared for what her rivals will do to win. Meanwhile, David Belue helps Dr. Amita Harker investigate the virus sweeping the FURC. Will the escalating epidemic eliminate everyone—or will they destroy themselves first?

***

Rat Tuesday

byAdrienne Quintana

A fun and messy story for kids.

It doesn’t ‘teach’ anything, but I can see it firing up children’s imagination and curiosity.

Although I’m not sure about the firecrackers and matches!

When the neighborhood rat children meet at the park to play, they attempt a science experiment and disaster ensues.

Enter the hot sexy world of New York Times, USA Today, And Award Winning Bestselling Authors!

Do you like steamy tales of passion, desire, seduction, and love? Step into a steamy romance with Claiming My Valentine, a collection of 14 sexy paranormal stories guaranteed to make your heart pound and your Kindle melt this Valentine’s Day . . . .

Explore your deepest desires and hidden fantasies as they come to life in these tempting tales of love! Claiming My Mate features Shifters, Dragons, Werewolves, Bears, Vampires, Fae, Ghosts, Angels, and more!

The Guardians

by Gina Moray

I enjoy a good horror story and having read Gina Moray’s short story, Cemetery at Devil’s Bend, I knew I had to read her debut novel, The Guardians, and I wasn’t disappointed… it was everything I hoped it would be!

With this descriptive and wonderfully scary story, Gina had me gripped from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat as the gory body count rose and had me wondering who, if anyone, would survive the terrifying evil.

Not for the faint hearted, but if, like me, you like a good scary book, The Guardians is well worth reading.

What’s a little deception and murder when it comes to getting ahead?

Runner’s Mill is a small, peaceful farming town, but not without its problems. Fourth generation farmer, Hank Smithson, is one of many, in trouble with substandard crops and underhanded tactics at the hands of his competition. Now he’s at risk of losing his home and livelihood. A mysterious stranger, known only as LaReux, offers him a solution to his problems. Hank quickly becomes seduced by promises of a successful harvest, and agrees to his help. He soon learns that success comes with a price and he will have to decide how much he’s willing to pay to survive.

Lurking in the Shadows

Anthology

This book is a great anthology of short horror stories.
All the authors did a great job with the suspense and ‘horror’ in their own tales – some scarier than others!

The book, as a whole, was an enjoyable read. As always with an anthology, I had some favourites!

I loved the suspense and creepiness of Lily Luchesi’s Too Young to Kill, although at the end I wanted it to continue so that Drew and Adrienne ‘got what they deserved’, as Elisa wasn’t portrayed as a bad person through the story!

I also enjoyed the tension of both Living Nightmare by Savannah Rohleder and The House on Juniper Lane by Jaidis Shaw. Both of these stories were menacing and had great unexpected endings.

Embrace the darkness.

Murderous entities, haunted houses, screaming banshees, and sympathetic necromancers are just a few of the chilling things you’ll encounter in this anthology. Follow our authors into the shadows … if you dare.

Stories featured in this anthology include the following:

“Release” by E.M. Fitch

“On Two Lane Roads” by Shelly Schulz

“Too Young to Kill” by Lily Luchesi

“An Empty Building” by Jacqueline E. Smith

“Living Nightmare” by Savannah Rohleder

“The House on Juniper Lane” by Jaidis Shaw

“Dorcha Scath” by Liz Butcher

“Scream for the Night” by Gina A. Watson

“Bump in the Night, Inc” by Melody Black

“Revenant” by Stacey Jaine McIntosh

“Lizzie” by Tania Hagan

Cat’s Howl (Macconwood Pack #2)

by C.D. Gorri

Once again, C.D. Gorri reeled me into this story with her descriptive writing and fully fleshed out characters.
The book is a well-paced, action-packed sequel to Charley’s Christmas Wolf: A Macconwood Pack Novella.

I love how C.D. Gorri’s Grazi Kelly, Angela Tanner and Macconwood Pack series all interlink with each other!

I received an ARC of Cat’s Howl from C.D. Gorri in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Cat Maccon, was always a handful, even as a pup. It wasn’t easy growing up in an all male household, but this South Jersey Werewolf is tough as nails. She’s on a mission to prove herself. Causing no end of grief for her older brother, Rafe Maccon, Alpha of the Macconwood Pack.

Cat joins the Maccon County Sheriff’s Department determined to be taken seriously amongst her big brother’s Wolf Guard. Okay, maybe one Wolf Guard in particular, Tate Nighthawk. Tall, rugged, and handsome. He’s the stuff of Cat’s dreams, but she’s been burned before.

When she is targeted by their enemies, led by the dangerous rogue Werewolf Skoll, Rafe assigns Cat her own personal bodyguard. Knowing how his sister hates to be told what to do, Rafe gives her the one Wolf Guard he knows won’t be taken in by her wily ways. Tate Nighthawk himself.

Tate takes his job very seriously and no amount of pouting or lamp throwing will bend him to Cat’s will. Even if she is the best damn thing he ever saw. Old memories haunt him when he is forced to spend time with the one woman who he turned his back on. But he won’t let that interfere with his assignment.

Stuck alone in the woods together, without any way to contact the Pack, their tumultuous past catches up with them. Will this spunky she-Wolf finally find true love or is she too much for Tate to handle?

The Soul Whisperer: A Tale of Hidden Truths and Unspoken Possibilities

by J.M. Harrison

This thought provoking and spiritual story was a fast paced and interesting read.

The main characters were fairly well fleshed out, but the supporting cast were somewhat flat.

The complex tale has intrigue and suspense, with wonderful imagery, however the chapters dealing with ‘the history of the shell’ broke the flow pulled me out of the story.

I received an eCopy of The Soul Whisperer from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Following personal tragedies and spiralling financial problems, Londoners Alex and Sara are desperate to find ways to rediscover their zest for life. A free holiday provides the perfect opportunity for a second chance, but not long after arriving in France they discover that all is not what it seems… A series of shocking revelations challenge their understanding of humanity, as they are propelled into a dangerous world governed by a ruthless occult society. Magical relics and extra-terrestrial objects promise to unlock incredible secrets, but what extremes will people go to in order to attain them? In a modern-day spiritual quest, Alex and Sara will be forced to take control of their destiny, facing their own demons along the way as time counts down, for them and the entire human race…

Child of Blackwen

Melanie’s descriptive writing pulled me into the wonderful world of Arrygn and dropped me in amongst the action. Arrygn is a fascinating place, with elves, vampires, witches, mages and much more.

The characters are dimensional and likeable, and I felt like I had made some new friends in Artemis, Jack and Shadow, to name just a few.

The book was well-written, kept up a good pace throughout and the ending had me heading straight into book two.

The epic fantasy novel Child of Blackwen is a coming-of-age adventure story about the young dhampir Artemis in the mystical world of Arrygn.

Born of a human and a vampire, Artemis was raised among the elves of Ellewynth by her mother’s friends Shadow, an elven soldier, and Talisa, a witch. An outcast in elven society, Artemis is protected by the Elders of the Woodland Realm because her mother, the vampire Tamina Ravenwing, once served them. As Artemis struggles to overcome prejudice, she must also learn to control her innate thirst for blood. Her efforts are made all the more difficult when Shadow and Talisa are called to serve in the eight-year-long war against the dragons.

Just after they return, Artemis begins dreaming her mother’s memories, only to discover that her guardians are plagued with the same dreams. This, along with the mysterious murders in the Woodland Realm, leads Artemis to learn the shocking truth about her mother’s death: the unsavory woman in the dreams is none other than Tamina’s younger sister, Arlina.

Artemis poses a threat to the madwoman Arlina, usurper of the throne of Blackwen City—and the vampire will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat.

Mistress of Blackwen

by Melanie Rodriguez

The second book in the Artemis Ravenwing series picks up where the first book finished and I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first.

All my friends from part one of the story were back and their characters continued to develop as we resumed the adventurous journey to Blackwen City, begun in the previous book, and struggled against the threats posed by enemies old and new.

I am looking forward to, and will definitely be reading, the next installment of this series.

Artemis Ravenwing, a dhampir and rightful heir to the throne of Blackwen City, struggles to accept her dark heritage as she plots to confront Arlina—a blood relative who murdered Artemis’ mother to usurp the title of Mistress of Blackwen.

Along with friends like Shadow, an elf and former soldier of Ellewynth, and Talisa, a witch and longtime vassal of the water goddess of Arrygn, Artemis heads to Westyron—a human-run city with a deep hatred of those outside their own race. But lying in wait for Artemis’ arrival is Arlina herself…as well as Gavin, the former human who fathered Artemis.

Lurking in the shadows behind it all is the specter of Tamina, Artemis’ full-blood mother. Keenly aware of the connection she has to her old pair of dragon-jeweled sai, she has a revenge-fueled agenda of her own for the power struggle taking place. But who will prevail?

A rich coming-of-age tale, the second installment of the Artemis Ravenwing series beautifully explores the strength of friendship and the dangers of revenge.

Wolf Moon

by C.D. Gorri

I enjoyed this fast-paced and gripping story. The detailed descriptions drew me into Grazi’s world and didn’t let go.

There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing, and turning the pages.

The author did an amazing job of describing both the physical and emotional changes that Grazi goes through as she comes to terms with her new life as a werewolf, as well as dealing with the everyday problems of being a teenager. Grazi is written in such a way that she is easy to like and to root for.

The supporting characters were also well-fleshed out, and believable.

I found myself on a par with Grazi, at times, as I wanted answers to the same questions as she was asking. Some of which were still unanswered at the end of the book.

Not a problem though as I moved straight on to book 2, Hunter Moon..

“Hi. My name is Grazi Kelly. There are things I know are true and things that I never would have guessed. First, demons and witches exist and they are evil. Second, the world is up for grabs and the witches are getting their minions ready. Third, I’m a werewolf and it’s my job to stop them.”

High school sophomore Grazi Kelly leads an ordinary life in the suburbs of New Jersey helping her grandmother with chores and attending Catholic school. Things are pretty good except for her bullying cousin and the rest of the obnoxious cheer team. Then things take a frightening turn when the night of the full moon arrives and the bodies start piling up. Grazi learns that she is different in ways she never expected. She finds herself torn between Sebastian, the school soccer star and Ronan, a foreign exchange student who shares her secret. She must uncover the identity behind the mysterious attacker, but is she ready for the entire truth?

Hunter Moon

by C.D. Gorri

Hunter Moon carries on from where Wolf Moon ended and within the first few minutes of reading, the detailed writing carried me back into Grazi’s world.

I joined Grazi and the cast of fleshed out supporting characters as they continue to battle the dark and dangerous supernatural forces. The characters making a return in this second installment continue to grow and Grazi starts to come to terms with her destiny.

The slowly developing attraction between Grazi and Ronan is unrushed and, therefore, believable.

At the end of this book, I was ready for book three of the series.

Being a teenage girl is difficult. Being a teenage Werewolf is almost impossible. A few weeks ago I found out that I’m a Werewolf. Yup, that’s right. I tend to get furry around the full moon. Don’t believe me? Well, it only gets more fantastic from here.

You see, I’m bound by an ancient pact my ancestors made to serve with the Hounds of God. They’re like this mega Wolf pack who technically work for the Catholic Church. The Hounds have been fighting an age old battle against covens of Witches who want to claim dominion over the Earth for the Devil.

You heard me correctly. I mean the actual Devil, you know, Lucifer, the Father of Lies. Yup. That’s the one. You see, the Devil, is an actual being. Not some metaphor for evil. He is a fallen angel and his minions take many forms. The Hounds of God fight those minions. We are an ancient order dedicated to protecting humanity.

My father before me was a Hound. He and my mother died fighting this battle when I was about three years old. I keep a picture of them next to my bed.

I don’t remember that much about them, except for this recurring dream I have of my mom. Anyway, I was raised by my maternal grandmother, Nonna Rosa. Her son is my Uncle Vito. He and his family live with us too. Only Nonna knows the truth about me.
Hard to believe? You betcha. I didn’t really buy it either until last night when I got all furry and fangy and ripped the throat out of my high school librarian.

Scary, right? But they aren’t the only things out there. There’s much more that I have yet to learn.

This world is new to me. It is full of dark and dangerous things. And most of them seem to want me dead. I’m scared, I mean, I’m not crazy. But I have to survive. I just have to. To find out what really happened to my parents. And to avenge them.

Rebel Moon

by C.D. Gorri

Rebel Moon seamlessly picks up where Hunter Moon left off, and once again I was whisked away to a world of werewolves, vampires, witches and demons.

I don’t know what to say about this book, that I haven’t already said about books one and two…

It’s well-written. It cracks along at a good pace. The characters are multi-dimensional and believable.
The detailed descriptions let you join Grazi and her friends in her world.

Book four is waiting for me 🙂

“From school nerd to Werewolf girl. It was quite a change after all. I ran hard for all those changes, all my mixed feelings. I could do little but accept them. They were a part of me now.

There were some things I knew could never change. For example, I was a teenager and would be for the next few years anyway. I was also a Werewolf and as far as I knew that was forever.

Witches had messed with nature and thrown it completely off balance. A demon with an angel’s face wanted me as his bride. And a more powerful demon wanted to escape Hell and rule the Earth.

Nonna was in danger of losing her home to the IRS. Julianna hated me more than ever because for a while Sebby actually liked me. I was lying to my best friend Angela about what I was.

But none of that seemed as important as this one unchangeable fact. I was in love with Ronan…”

Join teenage Werewolf Grazi Kelly as she continues to battle evil in this third installment of her series. Will she get closer to solving the mystery of what happened to her parents? Will she find out what it means to truly be part of a Wolf Pack? Will she find true love? Find out in Rebel Moon.

Winter Moon

by C.D. Gorri

I have read books 1 to 4 of the Grazi Kelly series and have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books.

Thanks to C.D. Gorri’s descriptive writing, I have got to know the characters very well and feel as though I have been beside them on every step of their journey.
I am going to miss them and will be waiting (im)patiently for the next installment.

“It was difficult to remember the girl I used to be when my Wolf instincts were at the forefront as they were now. I closed my eyes and counted backwards. A little calming technique Cara had told me in one of the rare moments during our training when she was not out for my blood. It was a useful tool. When I opened my eyes I could think more clearly. The footsteps were closer and any second their bearers would break from the stand of trees into the small clearing where I was being held.

I braced myself, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight that came next. Angela’s fiery red hair broke through the tree line followed by a tall mystery guy with dark hair and a limp Wolf in his arms. I knew that Wolf. It was Ronan.

It’s St. Lucy’s Day and the battle has begun! With her friends by her side, Maria Graziana Kelly has more than enough fire power to fight the Demon minions. But will she be able to reunite with her one true love? Will Grazi find out what it really means to be a Werewolf? Can she save her brother before it’s too late? Find out in Winter Moon!

Have You Seen This Girl?

by Carissa Ann Lynch

By the time I’d read the prologue, I was gripped by this tense and dark read that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a well written and suspenseful story, that moved along at a good pace.

It was a book of two halves. In the first half, we follow a naive and young girl as she makes bad choices and is led astray by a friend. The second part of the book, as Wendi goes looking for revenge, is a tense thriller with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing,
I liked that it was written in the first person, as it allowed more insight into Wedi’s thoughts and actions.

Have You Seen This Girl? is the first in a series of books, but with the story being rounded off nicely by the epilogue, it works very well as a stand-alone.

Wendi Wise is a troubled young woman who snorts her breakfast through a straw and spends more time in rehab than in the real world…
Her life is seemingly out of control.
But now she has a plan.
That plan involves a sharp set of butcher knives.
She’s going back to where all of her troubles began…
Flocksdale.
Wendi was lured away from a local skating rink, at the age of thirteen, and held captive in a place she calls ‘The House of Horrors.’ Dumped off blindfolded on the side of a dirt road, Wendi soon discovered that she was addicted to the drugs they fed her while she was captive.
Too scared to go home, and having a new habit to deal with, she hopped on a bus, vanishing from the family she loved.
Vanishing from Flocksdale…
The town of Flocksdale is littered with fliers with a grainy image of young Wendi, and the words ‘Have You Seen This Girl?’ written below.
Now, eight years later, she’s on a mission—a mission to find the mysterious house from her youth and the monsters who dwell inside it.
“This is the end, beautiful friend, the end…”

House of the Lost Girls

by Carissa Ann Lynch

Having read book one of the series, I did wonder how the author could move the story forward, but as book 2 is set 20 years later that wasn’t a problem. The book was full of suspense, action, and surprises, which kept me turning the pages.

I could easily visualise the streets and buildings of Flocksdale, the same gloomy town that featured in book one.

Once again it is written in the first person which allows you to see things from Marianna’s point of view and feel what she’s feeling. As Marianna and her family move into the old creepy house of horrors, the evil that surrounds the inhabitants of Flocksdale rears it’s ugly head once again.

I liked that Wendi, (the missing girl in book one) was reintroduced in this one and was there to help, when everyone Marianne thought she knew turned against her.

Is evil ever truly defeated—or is it just waiting for another chance?
Seventeen year old Marianna Bertagnoli is miserable…
Not only did her father abandon her five years ago, now she’s being uprooted and forced to move with her mother and new stepdad to a creepy Victorian house they inherited in the even creepier town of Flocksdale.
Flocksdale has an evil, ugly past—and history has a way of repeating itself…
Marianna notices some strange qualities about her new home, and soon realizes she’s living in none other than the infamous House of Horrors. That’s right, the very house where the demented Garrett family ran a drug ring, leading to the kidnappings and murders of forty young girls.
The dark energy of the town begins to rise again…
Within a week of moving in, Marianna’s mother disappears, one of her small group of new friends is found murdered, and she’s attacked by a man wearing a hideous clown mask. As she searches for answers, Marianna wonders if the malevolence still lingers, somehow alive…and how her stepdad came to own the House of Horrors.
Unsure who to trust, Marianna turns to Wendi Wise, a survivor of the Garretts’ crimes…
Caught up in twisted family ties and surrounded by deceit, Marianna is targeted by a new generation of evil. Doubly imprisoned—in her own body and in the real house of the lost girls—Marianna needs Wendi’s help to unravel the bizarre history of Flocksdale.
But will Marianna survive long enough to bring the evil to light…or will she be trapped in the house of the lost girls forever?

Carnival of Dead Girls

by Carissa Ann Lynch

Although the three books in this series work as standalone stories I would advise reading them in order to get the best out of them, as details and some characters from the previous books are carried forward.

This, the third and final book in the series is as chilling and atmospheric as the other two. I liked the creepy carnival setting of this novel, that and the haunted house, added to the darkness of this book. I also enjoyed the fact that Wendi (books 1&2) & Marianna (book 2) are back to save the day.

My favourite book of the three was House of the Lost Girls, but they were all well-written and had me hooked.

Nothing interesting happens in the podunk town of Lamison Point—until a freak show rolls through…

When a traveling carnival stops in the sleepy countryside, sixteen-year-old Josie Crowley is psyched to go with her new friend, Freya. But what started out as a fun-filled night of games, candied apples, and ferris wheel rides quickly spirals into a gut-wrenching encounter with one of the carnival attractions.

Once the excitement is over, Lamison is missing one of its residents…

When Freya is nowhere to be found, Josie suspects the carnival has something to do with her disappearance. Her goal to track down the elusive show leads to an alarming revelation—there is no record of it ever existing. And as she digs deeper, Josie is led to a mysterious town with a tainted past—Flocksdale.

Buried in Flocksdale’s sick, twisted history is where Josie may find the truth…

Creepy clowns, disfigured freaks, and a terrifying haunted house are the least of Josie’s problems…now she has to deal with a group of real-life monsters, otherwise known as the evil Garrett family and new, rising generation of hell-bound freaks.

If Josie is pulled into their world, she may become another member of a carnival of dead girls, where she goes in, and never comes out…

Witches: Tea Party

by Mark Taylor

Although this first book of a new series is only short, Mark Taylor packs an awful lot of story into it.

This dark and suspenseful story had me on tenterhooks, wondering whether Mary and the witches coven she joined, could achieve their goals.

Despite the darkness of the story, there were moments of lightness and humour.

The characters were well-developed, and I became quite attached to the witches. I hope it won’t be too long before the next book is ready and I can catch up them again.

I was gifted an Ecopy of Witches: Tea Party from the publisher – no review required.

In Salem, 1692, Marie-Anne witnessed the death of her friend and confidant, Sarah Good. Charged with being a witch, Sarah goes to the gallows to protect Marie-Anne, a true witch.

Three hundred years later, Marie-Anne, under the name Mary Anson, vows to put things right.

With a new coven – Dina, Excalibur, and Lady – Mary puts in motion the steps to right what went wrong…and what followers is a chase across the country, a chase against time, pursued by monsters and darkness…

…will Mary put things right?

…or will she die trying?

Hell is Empty and All the Devils Are Here

by Mark Rounds

This book was a great beginning to what should turn out to be a great series. It is well-written and
perfectly paced.

The plotline of a virus being manufactured and dispersed by an unknown organisation is conceivable, but hopefully not in my lifetime. The plague, how it spreads, the attempts to stop it and the inevitable collapse of society is disturbingly realistic, although the control of the infected leans towards the paranormal.

The characters behave and react in a believable way, as they learn to work together to survive and fight against the infected population.

I am looking forward to the second book, and finding out what happens next.

I received an eCopy of Hell is Empty and All the Devils Are Here from Mark Rounds in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

“Hell is Empty and All the Devils Are Here” is the story of Chad Strickland, his family and friends as they try to survive the onslaught of a virulent plague. The setting is in the near future in Central Washington. Chad and Mary Strickland, along with their neighbors, Dave Tippet and Heather Tunney band together to protect their children and their way of life. Along the way, Chris Vaughn and Amber Hoskins join their group as they are hounded out of their homes and forced to go on the road to escape a gang of infected bikers led by Special Agent Macklin who is in turn part of a bigger plot to over throw the US Government and take control.

I read a few more books this month than listed here, but as I was offline for a week I haven’t caught up with my reviews, so they will be added to March’s Round-Up

BloodLoss: A Fraktioneer Novella

This short prequel to BloodMarked, is another quick and easy, fast-paced page-turner.
The authors’ descriptive writing, once again, pulled me into the story and kept me captivated.

I enjoyed finding out more about Jaromir and Stein, how they met and the reason behind their close relationship.

I hope I don’t have too long to wait, for another book from Lu J Whitley.

Join your favorite Book Boyfriends, Jaromir Ragnarsson & the ever-wonderful Stein, nearly 400 years before the events of BloodMarked (The Fraktioneers #1) in this all new prequel novella!

Cursed to live in the shadows, Jaromir Ragnarsson wanders the world, searching for a sign. What he finds wasn’t exactly what he had in mind.

Nearly four hundred-fifty years after a fateful meeting with a Wyrd woman changes his life, Jaromir is no longer alone. His adoptive son is the light of his long life, and he believes he will do anything to keep him safe.

When that belief is tested, will he have the strength to do what is necessary?

Even if, no matter what he chooses, he loses?

View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale

by Elizabeth Horton-Newton

A fascinating and unique take on an unforgettable event in American history.
The book is as much a romance as it is a thriller. It’s well-written and the story ticks along at a steady pace.
The main characters of the story, Olivia and Bill, are believable and make a great couple. It was refreshing to read a book in which the protagonists were older than I am!
The book is written in the first person and after a page or two, I felt like Olivia was telling her story to me personally and from that moment on I was hooked on this interesting and enjoyable read!

This romantic thriller takes a fictional “what if” look at the JFK assassination. Suppose accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had lived to defend himself. Imagine if 50 years after the assassination someone stepped forward to reveal the truth of what happened that day. What if the assassination was a conspiracy and the impact of those revelations reached into the 21st century? This is the story of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. You’ll never look at your neighbors the same way.

Love, Vampire Style: A COLONY Series Paranormal Romance Collection

by Regina Morris

These books have a nice twist on vampires, romance and the Secret Service.
Each book focuses on a different couple, but involves all the other members of The Colony, as well as solving a crime or two.
We get to know the couple as individuals as well as how they fit together.

The books a well-written and enjoyable to read, they aren’t fluffy and sparkly, but they aren’t gore-filled either. The author does a great job of grabbing your interest and keeping it right up to the last page and beyond.

The characters are dimensional and they all have their own voice and personality. I enjoyed the ‘family’ life of the Colony and feel as though I have made some good friends while reading the first three books of the series and I’m looking forward to continuing with the rest of the books.

A covert team of sexy vampires protect the President of the United States. This sensual paranormal romance collection contains the first three novels of the COLONY Series by author Regina Morris. The novels are: “Eternal Service”, “United Service”, and “Enduring Service.”

The COLONY Series is a suspenseful and sensual vampire fiction series that has earned five star reviews from fans of some of the best paranormal romance series like “Love at Stake”, the Argeneau series, and the “Black Dagger Brotherhood.”

The Weight of Light: Book 1 of the Grigori Celestials

by A. J. James

The Weight of Light is an interesting and thought-provoking read. It is, in equal measures, sensual and spiritual
A.J. James has a way of writing that is both lyrical and informative.
The vivid descriptions and the depth of emotion of the characters brought the story to life and kept me involved from start to finish.

The carnal appetites of the disgraced warrior Watcher Angels devastated the world many millennia ago – inviting a deadly chaos into our world and carving a bloody, brutal stain into human history. And an extraordinary love that dares to transcend the boundaries of time.

Arma’ros is one of the first Watcher Angels to fall at the dawn of the human race. His fierce, unsanctioned love for one human woman leaves him tormented by his separation from Divine grace. Determined to repair the damage he and others like him have wrought upon our Earth, he vows to protect those affected by their actions – even if it means defying Divine Law.

Zoe is a cursed woman. She has a talent no other being on Earth possesses – the ability to sense and track down the feared Nephilim, the dangerous and typically diabolical offspring of the Watchers. Her dubious gift has made her a vulnerable target, attracting the deadly attentions of the Dark Celestials.

An agonizing past must be retraced to expose startling revelations – joy, pain, loss, and secret, twisted agendas of Celestials and humans, concealed since the beginning of time. Together, Zoe and Arma’ros must locate both the Watchers and Nephilim still left and the last Enochian Key to prevent them from falling into the enemy’s grasp. . . a Key that will either unlock the Song of limitless Divine Creation for humans – or unleash the complete and utter annihilation of our Earth.

Charley’s Christmas Wolf: A Macconwood Pack Novella

by C.D. Gorri

This quick and easy read grabbed my attention on page one and kept it to the end.
C.D. Gorri packed a lot into this short introduction to her new book series.
Her main characters were well-developed and complex, and I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens next.

I received an ARC of Charley’s Christmas Wolf from C.D. Gorri in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Rafe Maccon is the Alpha of the Macconwood Pack, for now. His rule is being questioned by a rogue Wolf who wants him ousted for breaking an ancient law that states the Alpha must be mated!

He must find a mate in order to keep his position. Seeing their Alpha in trouble, Rafe’s Wolf Guard take it upon themselves to find one for him.
Charley Palmieri works a dead end job and lives alone with her cat until one night when her world is changed forever.

Instant attraction sparks between them. Can Rafe convince Charley to be his before the meeting of Pack elders on Christmas Eve? Will she be his one true mate, for life?

What Once Went Wrong

by T.E. Hodden

Written from the point of view of a man with six months to live this is a bittersweet and emotional read.
It’s wonderfully written, and despite the subject matter, or maybe because of it, it’s a ‘feel good book’ and I enjoyed the moving story of love and friendship.
There is a wonderful cast of multi-faceted characters all of whom add something to George’s life and the story.

George has just six months to live, and no chance of a happy ever after. At least not for himself. When he is advised to make his time count, George makes it his mission to offer others their own Happy Ever After. Three ex girlfriends, and the best friend he has never met, are about to have their lives changed forever.

He has one hundred and eighty two days to die.

He has one life left to live.

The Human Condition

by Mark Taylor

A great collection of disturbing and well written short stories.
Each story is different, but they are all dark and foreboding.
The author describes perfectly the horrific and unique, but plausible, lengths that each character will go to, to achieve their goals.

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself what you are truly capable of. Don’t lie…your reflection will know. The Human Condition is about the deepest, darkest part of the human mind-that part of us we suppress. But what if…just for a moment…we let the maladjusted you out to play? Would you be capable of the demented? Of maniacal, deranged violence? This collection of macabre short stories will have you on the edge of your seat as you come to realize you are not that different from the monsters in these tales…the ones hiding in polite society…the one in the mirror.

Awethology Light

by The #Awethors

This is the second anthology I’ve read from the #Awethors, and once again, all the stories are well-written and kept me interested.

I find most anthologies are a great way to find new authors, and this book is no exception.
Keanan Brand and Amelia Mapstone are just two of the authors that I will be looking to read more books by.

Although hard to pick just a few out of this book of awesome stories, my favourites, in no particular order were:
Enchantments by Claire Plaisted
Seven Years by Amelia Mapstone
and
Kristen – Witch Hunter by K S Marsden

Because one voice in your head isn’t enough, here are so many more, as the Awethors chime together with our vast collection of stories and poetry to make you laugh, make you cry and make you feel alive.
We are the Awethors and these are our words to you.

Beyond the Storm

by Adam Jones

I enjoyed this dark and suspenseful post-apocalyptic/horror.
The multiple storylines were easy to follow, and merged at different points through the books. The main characters were, for the most part, dimensional and interesting.
The plot was believable and well thought out.
The graphic descriptions mean the book is not for the faint-hearted.

I received an ecopy of Beyond the Storm from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Man tries to remember his past while Jude tries to forget hers.

Years after the nuclear holocaust decimated Britain, Man wakes up, naked and alone but for the murdered corpses whch surround him. Struggling with amnesia, Man travels the wastes trying to piece together his past.

Across the crumbling remains of the city, Jude flees a depraved fiend, running for her life. Beyond the Storm is a journey of horror and suspense which paints a broken future world and the events that made it that way.

The Pharaoh’s Cat

by Maria Luisa Lang

This unusual, quirky and light-hearted tale is told from the point of view of Wrappa-Hamen, a cat and is set mostly in ancient Egypt.
It’s a quick and easy read, with some humourous scenes, though I followed the story as a bystander rather than feeling involved.
The characters weren’t particularly complex and would have benefitted from some fleshing out, the exception to this was Wrappa_Hamen, who’s personality developed over the course of the story.

I received a copy/an eCopy of The Pharaoh’s Cat from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The Pharaoh’s Cat, narrated in the present tense by the cat himself, is the story of a free-spirited, quick-witted stray in ancient Egypt who suddenly finds himself with human powers joined to his feline nature.

The cat immediately captures the attention of the seventeen-year-old Pharaoh, making him laugh for the first time since his parents’ death, and is brought to live with him at the royal palace.

The cat also becomes friends with the High Priest of the god Amun-Ra and seeks his help in solving the mystery of his human powers and the supernatural manifestations that later plague him. He has an enemy in the Vizier—the Pharaoh’s uncle and the second most powerful man in Egypt. The Vizier hates him for himself and even more for his relationship with the Pharaoh.

The cat participates in festivities at the royal palace, developing an insatiable appetite for good food, wine, and gossip. He later accompanies the Pharaoh on a trip through his kingdom, all the while renewing the Pharaoh’s ability to enjoy life and inspiring him to become a stronger leader.
Between the cat and the Pharaoh a bond of love gradually forms which will determine Egypt’s destiny.

The Pharaoh’s Cat imaginatively blends Egyptology with comedy, drama, and even time travel–the cat and the High Priest will meet Elena, a resident of the twenty-first century and the daughter of a renowned Egyptologist.

Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie!

by Jerry Flu

Written in the first person, by the late Randy Ratphink, this book takes a light-hearted look back through his life, as well as his time in the after-life.

The book was well-written, detailed and descriptive, and we meet a variety of weird and unpredictable characters as Randy tries to discover his murderer.

Although it was an interesting and, at times, humorous read, I found it to be more of a fictional autobiography than a murder mystery.

From his postmortem perch in the astral plain Randy’s life flashes before him like a Piggly Wiggly surveillance video. Determined to seek out his killer and avenge his murder before he moves into the shining white light, Randy Googles his memories for clues and suspects from his hippie days in the Haight to his present predicament.

But it’s only when he discovers that the identity of his murderer is none other than … well it wouldn’t be much of a mystery if you found out whodunit just yet, would it? So why not begin reading now, and find out for yourself Who Killed Randy Ratphink?